So I got online to sign up for this 109 mile tour (that I hear turns into a race), and upon trying to sign up, I see that its gonna cost me like 95 bucks to sign up…for a century. Has anybody here done this ride and is it worth 95.00?? I am just hesitant to fork over that kind of cash when last weekend, for 20.00 I did the Enchanted Circle Century which is probably the most badass ride I have ever done in the Southwest United States. Just wondering…
IS EL TOUR DE TUCSON WORTH A HUNDRED BUCKS TO DO???
It’s a great ride, great course, and fast riders. The course is well supported and the pre race expo and post race area have lots to offer.
Is it worth $95.00? Depends on what your looking for. I plan on riding it again this year and I’ll pay the $95.00. Hell, I ride on the same roads pretty much every time I go for a ride and I’ll still pay. Some of the money goes to a good charity and Perimeter Cycling puts on other greats events too. Do I wish it was cheaper? Sure, but even SOMA cost $200 and I think El Tour is better supported.
This is the only event of it’s kind in the US, in that it attracts not just “century riders” but very top level domestic pros and many of the best master’s riders in the country, and yet it isn’t a “race.”
TdT is more like a Gran Fondo than a “century,” and I don’t know of another “non-race” cycling event that draws elite and elite(ish) riders from around the country like TdT.
…and it’s still a bargain compared to the entry fees folks pay for those triathlon things…
Yes it is worth it. I did it one year and had tons of fun.It is not your garden variety century ride.It is a timed event and if you can come in under 5 hours you get platinium and have a reserve space up front next year.The year I did it Floyd Landis got second place if you are good enough rider and can line up very early morning you can ride in a peleton with some big time riders.
It attracts 5000+ people for that weekend.
PS: It is 109 miles with two river bed crossings where you have to carry your bike so 5 hours is doable but not easy.
If they are offering Krispy Kreme donuts at the first dry river bed crossing, then hell ya, it’s worth it! :). Ok, for just donuts, it is not worth it, but the experience and ride support is worth it, especially if you have not done it yet.
sounds interesting maybe I will go do it as I have a friend that rides out there. that would be cool to get with the fast group and have them pull me for sub 5 hour ride!
but I guess i better cross those rivers fast so I don’t get dropped.
Enchanted Circle is a great ride because of the route (i.e. beautiful scenery and great climbs.) El Tour is a great ride because of the organization. Beautiful scenery is free, organization costs money. There are at least 10 aid stations at El Tour vs. the 4 or 5 at Enchanted Circle. The aid stations are exceptionally well stocked (for the most part) and usually have so many volunteers that they have people to hold your bike while you pee and other people with water jugs to fill your bottles or carrying trays of food so you don’t have to walk through the dirt to refill. El Tour has chip timing so you are much more likely to get an official time if you are interested in that.
My wife and I sign up early so it is cheaper, but we have also paid the higher entry fees in the past and I think it is pretty much worth it for the organization and fanfare.
